Idaho State University Japan Night set April 16; proceeds to benefit ISU Quake Relief Fund

Come enjoy a night of rich cultural experiences and food as the Idaho State University Japanese Club presents Japan Night on Saturday, April 16.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the ISU Student Union Ballroom and this year's proceeds will go towards the ISU Japanese Quake Relief Fund.

The night features authentic food cooked by ISU Japanese faculty and students and will include Japanese style chicken and potato salad, curry and rice, inari-zushi, maki-zushi, miso soup, and dessert. 

A slide show, accompanied by Japanese music during the dinner will feature the natural beauty of Japan, its people, and culture. Entertainment to follow will feature piano music and dance, a mikoshi parade, a fashion show, a raffle, demonstrations by Pocatello Karate and the ISU Kendo Club, traditional yosakoi sooran dance, karaoke by rock singer Fabio and a taiko performance. 

During the event a silent auction will feature items for bid and sale from the Japanese Club and Poctello-Iwamizawa Sister City.  In addition, ISU professor, Ed Strickland will be selling and autographing copies of his children’s book “Ralph & Elmer,” which was just recently translated into Japanese.

After the March 11 Japanese earthquake, the ISU Japanese Club set up the Japan Quake Fund. The club has already raised more than $7,500 to help aid people displaced by the earthquake and tsunami.

Normally, funds generated from Japan Night go to student scholarships, but this year the Japanese club will donate all profits to the ISU Quake Relief Fund.  Information will be available on the Japanese earthquake and an update on the Quake Relief Fund will be given by ISU geology professor, Gustav Winterfeld.

Tickets for Japan Night will be available in the ISU Pond Student Union and Rendezvous complex from April 4 to April 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  They may also be purchased at the door or directly from Japanese club students. 

Ticket prices are $9 for general public, $8 for ISU faculty and staff, $7 for students, and free for children under age 5.  Tickets purchased at the door will cost an additional $1. 

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